It’s Monday morning and we’re still recovering from the weekend highs and lows in the footy world. But no rest for the weary!The U.S. bulldozed their way through the Olympic qualifiers, but it’s the only good news we have for women’s soccer today. Arsenal got booed off the pitch in the first half but rallied for a thrilling comeback win, while UEFA turns to social media to engage fans around the Europa League. Let’s get straight to it.
U.S. Women’s National Team
The U.S. defeated Canada 4-0 last night in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Final. The Americans scored 38 goals in the tournament, allowing zero, and Abby Wambach’s two first-half goals moved her ahead of Kristine Lilly to become the second leading scorer in international soccer, behind Mia Hamm, with 131. But the story of the night was Alex Morgan, who scored two goals and assisted on both of Wambach’s in just her third international start. My full story has all the details.
U.S. Captain Christie Rampone hoists the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Trophy.
On the U.S.’s dominating run through the tournament, and its fitting climax, All White Kit presented this summation:
There’s something about big events that brings the best out of this team. It’s almost like we must view the other substandard matches and performances in a vacuum: this is the USWNT eager to present itself to the world. When it really matters. Pia makes us (me) look like hypercritical worrywarts once more.
Women’s Professional Soccer
E-mail to players: Legal battle with owner Borislow “has diverted resources from investment in the league” & forced WPS to suspend season.
Cue me banging my head against the wall.
As soon as we have more news on the situation, we’ll post about it.
FA Cup
Did you miss Arsenal’s stunning comeback win over Aston Villa yesterday? Our own Toni Stone has the details!
MLS
The New York Red Bulls have signed former Chicago Fire defender Wilman Conde in exchange for allocation money to the Fire. Can the 2009 MLS Best XI defender and MLS All Star regain his form? Per newyorkredbulls.com on the signing:
“One of our offseason priorities was to solidify our defense and adding Wilman certainly does that,” said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “During his stint in Major League Soccer, Wilman quickly established himself as one of the League’s top defenders and he will play an immediate role in our back line. He is strong, physical and experienced and he will be a tremendous addition to our club.”
UEFA
UEFA as announced a campaign where they will tap into Facebook with a new app for the Europa League in February. During each round of the tournament, a new way for fans to interact will be introduced, from a mosaic of the trophy using fan profile photos in the round of 32, to fans given a chance to receive an autographed match ball after the final for voting for their favorite player.
